Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 10th at 2AM, so don't forget to "spring forward" by setting your clocks one hour ahead before you go to bed on Saturday night. This time of year, I usually have no idea what time it is. That's because I can't remember which clocks I have reset and which ones I forgot! I almost always forget to reset the one in my car, so for a few weeks, I never arrive anywhere at the correct time. But this year will be different! I've made a list so I can check off as I reset! Hopefully, this will end my confusion.
When I had small children, spring ahead was HARD! Not only did I "forget" to go to bed earlier, but the kids' sleep schedules were unpredictable for at least a week! Plus all summer I had to deal with, "Why do I have to get to bed? It's not even dark yet!"
If you have a little question-asker, he/she will wonder why you need to set the clock ahead an hour. Well, the short answer is that daylight saving time is starting. The long answer is to explain WHY we have daylight saving time in the first place.
The first Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the U.S. took place in 1918 during World War I, although Canada first used it in 1908 and Germany, in 1916, was the first country to use it nationwide. Today over 70 countries implement Daylight Saving Time, although the beginning and ending dates vary.
Over the years, Daylight Saving Time in the United States has been repealed, reinstated, expanded, restricted, and experienced a number of name changes. As of 2014, all states in the United States of America, with the exceptions of Arizona and Hawaii, begin DST on the second Sunday of March. The end date was adjusted to the first Sunday of November to allow more daylight on Halloween for trick-or-treaters.
So, “spring ahead” an hour and remember that your kids are probably going to get up at the same time as usual, so go to bed early and get ready for whatever surprises your wee ones have in store.
The beginning (and end) of daylight saving time is the perfect time of year to ...
The beginning (and end) of daylight saving time is the perfect time of year to ...
- Find the one clock you own that does not turn itself back automatically (stove, coffee pot, microwave, or car most likely).
- Change the batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and review and practice fire escape and family disaster plans.
- Inspect tires, headlights, taillights, and brake lights on all your vehicles. Also inspect tires, brakes, and reflectors on bicycles and scooters.
- Turn and flip your mattresses.
- Check your medicines, vitamins, and first aid kits, replacing expired items and restocking items that have been used.
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